HEALTH INFORMATION

Covers ways to be active in fall/winter weather. Offers tips for indoor activities like mall walking or joining a gym. Also covers outdoor exercise options such as raking leaves and shoveling snow. Provides tips on how to dress appropriately and be safe.

Covers ways to be active in fall/winter weather. Offers tips for indoor activities like mall walking or joining a gym. Also covers outdoor exercise options such as raking leaves and shoveling snow. Provides tips on how to dress appropriately and be safe.

Quick Tips: Staying Active in Cold Weather

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There are plenty of ways to be active in fall and winter, even if
the weather turns cold. You can stay in shape and have fun while you're at it.
Here are some ideas:

Indoors

Go for walks at the mall with a friend. Local schools and
churches may have indoor gyms where you can walk. You may want to buy a
pedometer from a sporting goods store. You can use it to count your steps. This
will help motivate you to walk more.

Get some hand weights or stretch bands to use at home for
resistance exercise. You can get fit while you watch your favorite TV show or
listen to music. Try doing a little more each week. Use cans of food if you
don't want to buy weights.

Buy or rent an
exercise DVD, or borrow one at the library. If you have an MP3 player, you can
download audio routines from the Internet. This can be a fun way to stay in
shape at home.

Take the stairs and fit in walk breaks whenever you can. This
will give you extra activity, even on a busy day.

Do active
housework like sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, doing laundry, or washing the
windows. You can stay active while you keep your home looking good.

Join
a gym or health club. You can use machines like treadmills, stair-climbers, or
exercise bikes. Try a fitness class or a new indoor activity, like dancing or
water aerobics. Many cities have community centers that offer affordable
fitness classes.

Get involved
in sports leagues in your community or at work. Many cities offer indoor sports
like basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, or swimming.

Outdoors

Rake leaves or do other yard work.

Bundle up, and take the dog for a walk. This can help you make
walks part of your daily routine.

Shovel snow. This can be great winter exercise. But if you have
heart problems or other health concerns, be sure to ask your doctor if
shoveling snow is okay. Overdoing it can put dangerous strain on your body.

Try a new winter activity like skating, cross-country skiing,
or snowshoeing. When you do outdoor activities in less populated areas, be sure
to plan ahead. Let people know where you will be, and take the right gear for
the conditions.

Dress for cold weather

If you
plan to be active outdoors, wear clothes that fit well and keep you warm and
dry. For protection, it's best to wear:

A warm hat. If it's very cold, you also may want to wear
covering for your face, such as a scarf.

Layers of clothing to keep
you warm. Wear waterproof outer layers to keep you dry.

Clothing
made of wool or polypropylene. These will keep you from
losing body heat even if the fabric gets wet. Don't wear
cotton.

Wool socks and waterproof shoes. Socks and shoes should fit
closely but not too tight.

Mittens rather than gloves. This way,
your fingers are together so you can roll them into a fist for warmth.

Be safe

Check with your doctor
before you start a new activity if:

You have heart problems or other health
issues.

You have not been active in a long time.

Be sure to stop and call your doctor if you have chest
pain or feel dizzy during any physical activity. If you have breathing problems
like asthma or COPD, ask your doctor before being active in cold
weather.

To stay safe, try to do your walking and other activities
when it's light out. Use your lunch break, or do family activities when the
kids get out of school. If it's dark out, walk with a partner.

Be
careful not to slip on wet or icy ground. You can buy "grippers" for your shoes
to help keep you from slipping. Avoid outdoor activity in extreme cold, and
take the windchill into account.

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